Basement Windows - Black Out Suggestions

[tilallr1]

Need a trick to totally black out these windows. But want a solution which will still allow me access to these windows if I ever (probably never) need it. FIRE for example.

Was thinking of thick black foam, which would wedge in there nice. Also produce a sound barrier. But not sure what to buy or how to make it work.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[gosawx]

I'll definitely keep an eye on this thread...I currently have blankets wadded up and stuffed in my windows!!!!

[Another_Dude]

I got a big ol' sheet of plywood and layed it over the window well, along with the existing blinds on the window.

Incoming light: Zero

Classy additions to home exterior: One

[Newmason]

Well you said you still wanted them to be functional, how about a couple coats of flat black spray paint?

[Grevlin]

Acoustic Foam - Corner Bass Absorbers 12" x 12" x 24" (2 Pack) for $29

At:

http://www.thefoamfactory.com/acoust...bassbroad.html

Use velcro tape to seal the edges around window.

Two stones with one mach 1 birdie

[Grade-Z]

I had the same issue with the same type of windows in my basement bar.

I simply measured the windows and then cut out cardboard pieces to fit snug. Then I covered the cardboard in black felt which looked quite nice. It won't offer much in the way of sound insulation but you can stuff a pillow or blankets behind it.

Good luck!

[koontz1973]

Plasterboard, easy to break in case of a fire, or the wife comes after you with a knife after seeing how much you spent on blu's this month.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Acoustic Foam - Corner Bass Absorbers 12" x 12" x 24" (2 Pack) for $29

At:

http://www.thefoamfactory.com/acoust...bassbroad.html

Use velcro tape to seal the edges around window.

Two stones with one mach 1 birdie

This is a great idea and sounds like a winner to me. I have a basement set-up with similiar windows, but they are behind me in my basement as I face the TV, so this is not an issue for me. But after reading about this in this thread, I may get some heavy, thick small drapes to close over them during movies.

[tilallr1]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Acoustic Foam - Corner Bass Absorbers 12" x 12" x 24" (2 Pack) for $29

At:

http://www.thefoamfactory.com/acoust...bassbroad.html

Use velcro tape to seal the edges around window.

Two stones with one mach 1 birdie

This sounds like a really good idea. Especially since my windows go up into the ceiling a bit. The 90 degree angle could work out perfectly.

I haven't measured them yet but what are the average dimensions of these windows?

Also, how much give does the foam absorbers have. In other words are they hard or soft. Cause they need to be a little soft to get a tight fit.

[Big Daddy]

Go to a hardware store or a place where they sell shades and blinds. Make custom room-darkening shades or blinds and install them. Cover them with more attractive custom-made room-darkening curtains or cover them with thick kitchen curtains or curtain tiers.

Velvet Black:
http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail....6-6780ee1370a3

Satin Black:
http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail....f-4af8f312ea70


http://www.bestwindowtreatments.com/...TS&Category=45

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X5.aspx...d=x1page|60193

[Beta Man]

Here's an idea..... It would be CHEAP, and do a great job without changing the aesthetics much....

Measure the windows (JUST THE GLASS PARTS) this will be easy if you don't have any sort of grids on the outside of the windows (grids sandwiched between double-pane glass is not an issue) If you have grids, you'll have to measure each square.....

Then, Have a glass shop cut plexi-glass to the measurements you got.... Just get the ABSOLUTE THINNEST plexi-glass they sell.....

Spray paint all of the sheets.... (black would be best, but a few coats of tan, red, etc.. will keep the light out pretty much also.... but black is best, but may not work for your room if you aren't planning on re-painting the room)

Spray paint one side black, red etc.... and spray paint the OUTER side white (so people looking from a distance from the outside just think you have curtains up )

Then, if you got the "thin thin thin" plexi-glass, just get a packet of velcro tabs (the round ones perhaps) just put one in each corner, and put the plexi-glass sheets directly over the window (on the glass) you wouldn't be affecting the window frame etc.... so the window would operate EXACTLY the same way it does today (and you wouldn't need the shades anymore)

[tilallr1]

Anyone try a custom sized Acoustic Panel inside the window sill?

http://www.atsacoustics.com/cat--ATS...nels--100.html

[cathexist]

You can get blackout cloth for fairly cheap, go to any fabric store.

[a859057]

I used an old king size pillow and put black pillowcases on it - one from each end so it was completely covered, then stuffed it into the window well. Fits perfect!

[bhampton]

I made a little frame to sit inside my basement window (kind of like building a tiny wall. Then outside there is just a flat plywood board which is bigger than the frame. It goes in and it's like there's no window there.

I can take it out if I want to use the window. (Open it up for some air now and then.)

That's what I did.... other ideas in this thread are great too.

-Brian

EDIT- You can see it in the back wall on this pic from my gallery...

https://images.blu-ray.com/htgallery/4176.jpg

[markost]

I had a solar tinting company tint all of the windows in my home last year. My theater also had windows that needed to be blacked out. They actually had a black out film that allows "zero" light in to the room. It works great and is very cheap. Just call any residential window tinting company. I live in Atlanta and used a company called Solar Eclipse in Buford, GA. Good luck.

[jeddy3]

black construction paper, worked great for me before

[Twitch9]

What i did in the past is make 2 shutters that open like barn doors out of 1/2" plywood and line the front and back with acoustic foam making sure you overhang the foam about 1/2' to cover the crack between the to shutters. This will also reduce sound escaping outside the house and help with reflections off the windows.

[erict]

I think you need to worry more about the TV you have Just kidding I would get some 2" foam and cut to fit then wrap some fabric of choice around it. You will have zero light and insulate the widows at the same time.

[tilallr1]

Originally Posted by erict

I think you need to worry more about the TV you have Just kidding I would get some 2" foam and cut to fit then wrap some fabric of choice around it. You will have zero light and insulate the widows at the same time.

Yeah I was thinking of upgrading it. But I just LOVE black and white.